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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and five Lower Columbia River ports are embarking on a joint environmental impact statement (EIS) and a long-term maintenance plan for the Lower Columbia River Federal Navigation Channel. The plan will ensure the channel, extending upstream from the Mouth of Columbia River to Vancouver, Wash., is maintained and operational at its 43-foot depth for another 20 years.

The Corps of Engineers is the lead federal agency under the National Environmental Policy Act for preparing an EIS. The Ports of Longview, Kalama, Woodland and Vancouver (Washington Ports) and the Port of Portland in Oregon (collectively, the Sponsor Ports) are the non-federal sponsors of the plan. As the non-federal sponsors, the Washington Ports are also responsible for actions that require compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act.

The Corps and the sponsor ports, with input from stakeholders and the public, will determine the best management plan for placing dredged material and evaluate ways to reduce the need for dredging. The planning effort will consider the natural resources of the Lower Columbia River while keeping the region open for business.

Vessels drafting the full channel depth carried about 11 million tons of export shipments worth nearly $3 billion in 2015. A well-maintained channel allows larger ships to carry significantly more cargo, supports regional and local jobs, and provides major and direct economic benefits and maintains local and federal navigation investments.

Scoping

A Notice of Intent (NEPA)/Determination of Significance (SEPA) was published in the Federal Register on September 8, 2017, and published in the area newspapers announcing the Corps’ and sponsor ports’ proposal to jointly prepare an EIS and opening the comment period which will assist in developing the scope of the EIS.

Scoping provides an early opportunity to collect information and receive input from interested public and stakeholders on issues to consider in development of the Draft EIS. Open house-style public scoping meetings are planned in Oregon and Washington where the Corps and Ports welcome discussion and written scoping input from the public, and local and state agencies and organizations. All meetings run from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and the public is welcome to stop by anytime.

The Port of Kalama is considering the community benefits of creating a small public amphitheater on the Kalama waterfront to accommodate a growing number of events, concerts and public activities. With increased use of Port parks, the intent is to create a more enjoyable guest experience at events like the ones we’ve been enjoying here for decades such as the Blues and Hawaiian Festivals.

Envision a grassy open space with tiered seating for concerts and special events that already attract us to the Kalama waterfront. The area will be open to the public except during special events.

A significant benefit is that the stage and seating will be in a natural setting. The stage and power will be permanently installed for ease of planning events.

The attached photo shows where the amphitheater would be placed—it compares in size to the area of the sport courts in Rasmussen Park. There would no impact or change to the adjacent playgrounds and no impact on Louis Rasmussen park.

The Port’s planned parking improvements currently underway on the Port waterfront.

For more on recreational opportunities and facilities at the Port of Kalama visit http://portofkalama.com/recreation/.

These images will clarify the location of the proposed amphitheater which would not impact the beach.

The Port of Kalama today filed a motion with the state Shorelines Hearings Board to dismiss its appeal to a condition placed on the Shorelines Conditional Use Permit for the Kalama Manufacturing & Marine Export Facility (KMMEF) by the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE).

The port appealed a provision in the shorelines conditional use permit which imposes greenhouse gas emissions regulations on a marine terminal that is being jointly proposed by the port and Northwest Innovation Works (NWIW) as part of the overall facility.

The state Department of Ecology has since filed documents which clarify that the condition in question does not apply to the port or to the port’s activities in the shoreline related to the marine terminal operation and that the port does not have a requirement to comply with it, according to Mark Wilson, Port of Kalama Executive Director.

The Port of Kalama does not oppose regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. The Department of Ecology’s clarification of their position has addressed the concerns that triggered the Port’s appeal.

The primary shoreline impact of the overall facility is the marine terminal which will be built, owned and operated by the Port of Kalama. Northwest Innovation Works (NWIW) will be the primary user of the facility, but it will also be available for lay berth use by other ships. The Port will charge fees for the use of the terminal by NWIW and other users.

The marine terminal will include a dock, berth, loading equipment, utilities and a stormwater system. Ships calling at the terminal for methanol will connect to shore power which reduces emissions to the air from ship engines.

Get ready to shop! The much-anticipated annual All City Garage Sale takes place this weekend, August 18, 19 and 20! Hosted by the Kalama Chamber of Commerce, Kalama residents host sales at their homes as well as in booths downtown. The treasures are plentiful and maps and lists of sale items will be posted on downtown signs. And printed maps and lists are available to pick up NOW at the four-way way stop downtown. Come on by!

Another unique event to Kalama, the Untouchables Car Show, also takes place this weekend on Sunday, August 20 with more cool car entries than ever. The event has become a popular destination bringing guests from all over the region to see more than 300 classic cars on 1st Street in downtown Kalama.

Guests are invited to wander the event, grab a bite to eat, participate in raffles and games and enjoy local music. Fun. Fun. FUN!

At the Port of Kalama we value both business and civic collaboration. In an effort to support our community, local events and organizations, we eagerly help promote what’s happening here! We hope you’ll mark your calendars for some of these upcoming festivities.

Next week is the last week for the popular Tinkergarten at Port of Kalama’s Haydu Park. The program continues their nature-based meet up groups for children ages 1.5 – 5 years and their parents at the park on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10:00 am and 11:00 am through August 16th. The group meetsnear the tree line and there is no cost to participate. Register on their web site https://tinkergarten.com/

US Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel safety inspections for marina patrons will be held on Saturday, August 19th between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm in the marina. Patrons can sign up and receive an informational brochure at the front desk of the Port administration building or by calling 360-673-2325. More info here: http://cgaux.org/vsc/

Southwest WA Anglers Fall Salmon Derby returns again this year on Saturday, August 26th between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Weigh-in stations will be at Marine Park at the Port of Kalama with other locations in Woodland and Astoria. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. Registration and more information can be found on their web site: http://www.swwa.org/

Click below for a calendar of events and activities at the Port of Kalama!

The impact of Mother Nature and Old Man Winter has taken its toll in the Columbia River at the Port creating unusually large volume of sediment flowing in the river

With the 100+ degree days we’re experiencing it’s hard to remember that grueling wet winter we endured. But the impact of the winter’s heavy precipitation and higher than usual river flows have reached the Port of Kalama marine terminals and shoreline. The high raging rivers of spring have produced a much larger volume of sediment flowing along the bed of the Columbia River here which has caused increasing challenges for river traffic and commerce.

Usual routine dredging would commence in the fall, but due to recent navigation challenges to vessels at the Port, immediate action is required. Dredging at the TEMCO grain elevator will begin on August 7th. The majority of dredge material will be placed in-water along the beaches at Ahles Point and the southern half of Rasmussen Park, however some material may be placed on the beach. Port of Kalama day use parks will remain open for recreation. Should beach placement occur, work areas of the beach will be temporarily closed and signage will be placed to alert visitors.

The Port is sorry for any inconvenience this causes recreational visitors but ensuring public safety and a navigable river is of utmost importance at this time. The dredging is expected to take place into early September. Maps of other recreational sites and beach access areas are available at the Port administration offices.

The Port of Kalama today filed an appeal to the conditions placed on the Shorelines Conditional Use Permit for the Kalama Manufacturing & Marine Export Facility (KMMEF) by the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE).

“While the Port is in no way opposed to regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the Port believes that GHG emissions are appropriately addressed in the air emissions permit for the manufacturing facility not a shorelines decision,” said Mark Wilson, Port of Kalama Executive Director. “We believe that the Shorelines Management Act is not intended, nor does it grant the authority, to regulate Greenhouse Gas (GHS)—It is for the protection and proper management of the shoreline. Our appeal is about the precedent setting nature of the permit.”

The primary shoreline impact of the overall project is a marine terminal which will be built, owned and operated by the Port of Kalama. Northwest Innovation Works (NWIW) will be the primary user of the facility, but it will also be available for lay berth use by other ships. The Port will charge fees for the use of the terminal by NWIW and other users.

The marine terminal will include a dock, berth, loading equipment, utilities and a storm water system. Ships calling at the terminal for methanol will connect to shore power which reduces emissions to the air from ship engines.

The Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) today approved the Shorelines Conditional Use Permit for the Kalama Manufacturing & Marine Export Facility (KMMEF).

This permit is the result of a long and comprehensive public process through which the community and other stakeholders participated in submitting comments and suggestions for the development.

The Port of Kalama appreciates DOE’s diligence in reviewing the permit application.

The primary shoreline impact of the overall project is a marine terminal which will be built, owned and operated by the Port of Kalama. Northwest Innovation Works (NWIW) will be the primary user of the facility, but it will also be available for layberth use by other ships. The Port will charge fees for the use of the terminal by NWIW and other users.

The marine terminal will include a dock, berth, loading equipment, utilities and a stormwater system. Methanol ships calling at the terminal will connect to shore power which reduces emissions to the air from ship engines.

The majority of the emissions associated with the condition are not located in the shoreline jurisdiction. Nonetheless, Ecology is seeking to impose limitations on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the overall project in the shoreline/conditional use permit.

“The GHG emissions condition by Ecology appears to be unprecedented and will require further evaluation to understand the implications for development throughout the state,” said Mark Wilson, Executive Director. Port attorneys are reviewing the permit and the conditions.

The Port of Kalama has been honored with the Pathways 2020 Community Champions Award for Economic Vitality. The ‘economic vitality’ category awards organizations that excel at creating jobs, employee wellness, training, employable skills, new or expanding business, transportation, financial security, reducing poverty, and higher wages. Pathways 2020, a Cowlitz County nonprofit, also awards individuals and organizations that lead in the areas of education, housing, social cohesion, health and access to healthy foods.

“This award reflects our planning and collaboration with community and business partners to ensure environmental and economic balance to create good jobs, investments in community amenities, and a quality of life like none other,” said Troy Stariha, president, Port of Kalama Board of Commissioners.

Port of Kalama contributes to a thriving and livable community

The Pathways 2020 award for economic vitality celebrates the Port of Kalama’s contributions to ensure a healthy economy and community assets that improve Kalama’s quality of life:

Marina renovation project is under design to perform maintenance and upgrades while enhancing safety and environmental protection, American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, facility aesthetics and overall attractiveness of the entire marina.

Parking facilities will be expanded at Marine Park to accommodate more recreational visitors and serve marina traffic.

McMenamins new hotel and brewpub located on the Kalama riverfront, which honors the town’s Hawaiian heritage and founding pioneers, is under construction and is expected to open to the public in early 2018.

Initial property development and preparation of the mixed-used Spencer Creek Business Park are underway to expand business opportunities in Kalama.

In response to demand for more light industrial space at the Port, the board of commissioners recently approved the expansion of Kalama River Industrial Park with a new 110,000 square foot building. Permitting and construction will start soon.

In an effort to develop a closer relationship between the students and faculty of the Kalama Schools and the Port’s business partners on the waterfront— the Port played a leadership role in a student career fair that offered an opportunity to meet members of the business community and learn about jobs and career opportunities right there in Kalama.

Pathways 2020 is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Cowlitz County through collaborative partnerships, resource mobilization, strategic planning and program development. Its mission is to promote and improve the health and wellbeing of Cowlitz County by fostering community partnerships that provide the fabric and support each person needs to be a healthy and contributing member of the community.

As businesses continue to find Kalama a perfect location to grow, the small community celebrates Earth Day with an extensive list of recognition for environmental stewardship

Just 30 minutes north of Portland, Oregon, business and community development are booming at the Port of Kalama. With more than 30 companies employing over 1000 people, the Port of Kalama offers a prime location for companies seeking industrial land and exceptional move-in-ready industrial buildings.

The Port’s sweeping riverfront industrial acreage with easy access to all modes of transportation is attracting new and emerging businesses—all while offering a pristine natural environment for recreation, sporting and nature enthusiasts.

At the core of the Port of Kalama’s mission is a promise to carefully evaluate community investments to create jobs and enhance public recreational opportunities all while protecting and enhancing the environment and natural resources. That careful balance is in the DNA of every single project the Port embarks upon. It is the Port’s job to ensure that environment, economy and community assets are thoughtfully planned to work in harmony with one another.

It’s a balancing act and it’s not always easy, but we strive to do the right thing to ensure Kalama’s quality of life. Always.

From the new Spencer Creek Business Park to a new building in the Kalama River Industrial Park, McMenamins locating here, and international businesses like Northwest Innovation Works choosing Kalama—all of these exist thanks to years and years of contemplation, collaboration, diligent planning—and a commitment to protecting the culture here. And all bring incredible economic opportunity to this community in the way of tax dollars for infrastructure like roads, as well as jobs.

It’s Earth Day Every Day at Port of Kalama

The Port of Kalama is dedicated to preserving Kalama’s natural environment through community service projects and has been awarded numerous honors for environmental stewardship:

The Port supports the Lower Columbia River Fish Enhancement Group for salmon habitat restoration at the lower Kalama River. The Port has invested in structures built along the shoreline to provide shelter and safe feeding areas for young salmon.

The Port participated in the Kalama River Clean-up with river conservation nonprofit, RiverJunky. The Port provided removal of all waste, debris and materials from the site after clean-up efforts.

The organization installed environmentally friendly lightingand climate control in the new Administrative Building.

Water-infiltration systems were installed to avoid stormwater discharge at the Industrial Park, Marina, and Port-owned facilities and buildings.

The Port is consistently awarded outstanding performance recognition for wastewater treatment by State Department of Ecology award.

A marina restoration project is proposed to not only enhance access to the facility but to performs environmental upgrades and safeguards to protect shoreline and river

The Western Dredging Association (WEDA) awarded the Port of Kalama with the top Environmental Excellence Award in the navigation dredging category.

Port of Kalama was named Washington State Port of the Year in 2015 for combining long-term vision and innovative planning to create jobs and quality of life.

The Port received the Pathways 2020 Community Champions Award for its significant community contributions.

The Port of Kalama ensures that everything we enjoy about our town—the business, the environment and our wonderful recreational opportunities are all working together. Our mission is to balance the needs of our community with stringent environmental protection and we invest in things that make Kalama a better place to live.

Please join us in celebrating this beautiful community we have created together.